Become more informed in minutes....

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has confirmed that A-F accountability ratings for 2024 for schools across the state will be published on August 15, alongside the publication of ratings for this year. The publication of ratings for 2024 had been delayed due to a lawsuit against TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, which has now been resolved. The lawsuit saw a number of school districts challenge TEA ratings, arguing in 2023 that Morath had retroactively changed rules "in a way that will arbitrarily lower performance ratings for many school districts and campuses even though their performance improved".

 

Killeen Daily Herald

A Katy ISD board meeting has heard that the district-wide "Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow" initiative, launched in 2023/24 to reverse a post-pandemic decline in attendance, has seen attendance rates improve by 0.8% so far. The improvement equates to around 700 more students attending class each day, which, if maintained, will boost the district's funding from the state by $5m. 

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that a group of Fort Worth ISD parents are opposing the possible takeover of the district by the state. Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath warned the district of a possible takeover after the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade received a fifth consecutive unacceptable rating in the TEA's A-F accountability ratings for 2023. Given that fifth unacceptable rating, state law requires either the closure of the campus or the takeover of the district -  with the district having already closed the campus. Parents have expressed concerns over a lack of local accountability if a board of managers is installed to oversee the district.

 

Star-Telegram

As students prepare to return to school, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is urging drivers to be cautious in school zones. Last year, Texas recorded 781 traffic crashes in school zones and 2,480 involving school buses, resulting in two fatalities in school zones and 11 involving buses. TxDOT's "Be Safe. Drive Smart." campaign aims to promote safe driving practices, including obeying speed limits and avoiding distractions. TxDOT emphasizes the importance of yielding to pedestrians and following school bus regulations, as violations can lead to fines up to $1,250. "Stay alert and put your phone away," TxDOT advises, highlighting the need for heightened awareness as children return to school.

 

Star-Telegram

The Dallas Morning News talks to South Oak Cliff High School principal Dr. Willie F. Johnson about his efforts to tackle a rise in youth violence over his eight years in the role, including a greater emphasis on mentorship and academic programs. "If we do a better job in schools", Dr. Johnson argues, "that will curb a lot of the violence", adding: "Our job is to create relationships, create mentorships, to show them there’s opportunities - there’s various ways that you can be successful. I think that’s where we fail."

 

Dallas News

Former College Station ISD Superintendent Mike Martindale announced his candidacy against current school board president Jeff Horak in the upcoming November election. This move marks a significant challenge as Martindale aims to reclaim a position in the educational leadership of the community.

 

Bryan-College Station Eagle

The Midland ISD Athletic Department has announced the continuation of its Gold Card program for the 2025-26 school year, providing complimentary access to athletic events for senior citizens aged 65 and older. "Midland ISD values the role our senior citizens play in supporting students, especially our athletes," stated Wes Torres, Executive Director of Athletics. The Gold Card grants free admission to regular season events at MISD facilities, including varsity football games, but is not valid for playoff games or tournaments.

 

Star-Telegram

In Afghanistan, girls' education has been severely restricted since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. The Taliban's ban on female education has left nearly 1.5m girls without access to secondary schooling, as reported by UNESCO. While madrasas have proliferated, many girls, like Nargis, a 23-year-old woman, feel these institutions do not provide the education they need. Nargis has taken it upon herself to teach girls in secret, despite the risks involved, commenting: "Even if I lose everything, I will do this one thing." The situation highlights the dire consequences of the Taliban's policies on women's rights and education in Afghanistan. Until recently, USAID had been funding secret schools across the country, known as “community-based education,” as well as study abroad programs and online scholarships. However, several of these programs are now winding down, due to the cancellation of $1.7bnn-worth of aid contracts.

 

CNN Edition